Health care practitioners must be cognizant of medical malpractice and the criteria that encompass professional liability. The 4 separate but related criteria of professional liability are discussed and explanations given on their importance. Emphasis is placed on pediatric legalities, although there are many aspects of medical malpractice applicable to both the adult and pediatric patient. Specific allegations familiar to nurses are explored and related to the care of the pediatric patient. Individual considerations such as consents, child abuse, and the withdrawal and withholding of treatmentfor the pediatric patient will be discussed. Attempts have been made to provide current, accurate information concerning legal issues in nursing practice. However, because law changes rapidly, new decisions may have been reached by a particular court or through state legislation. It is important for the nurse practicing in the perianesthesia field to keep abreast of changes in the law that have an impact on nursing practice both for the pediatric patient and the adult patient.